Gruesome day: Two fires, storm follow, death in Iraq

Coming for tomorrow:

There were several close calls Tuesday night when that severe storm blew through the region, and more damage than authorities can tally. Thousands of people were left without power, although power was restored to most people this morning.

We also will write about the fire in Suncrest that killed a 14-year-old. He apparently was asleep when a candle left burning in the basement started a fire. The boy’s sister and her friends were at a McDonald’s; his mom was across the street and thought her son was with the group at McDonald’s.

Many historic photos may have been lost in a basement fire this afternoon at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

The panel investigating Spokane Mayor Jim West’s use of city computers has agreed to meet in public Friday, reversing an earlier decision to meet in secret.

Coeur d’Alene Police Officer Mike Kralicek received a hero’s welcome today when he rolled off a commercial airplane in his wheelchair into a receiving line of fellow officers at Spokane International Airport.

And from Iraq: Four car bombs exploded at dusk today, killing at least 23 people. The coordinated attacks served as a chilling reminder of how potent militants remain in the capital despite around-the-clock American and Iraqi troop patrols. In all, at least 32 people were killed across Iraq today.